With the recent release of the acclaimed Hulu historic epic TV miniseries Shogun, travelers are itching to explore firsthand the land of samurais, geishas, picturesque villages and urban centers throughout Japan that epitomize the thrilling spirit of Shogun. Based on James Clavell’s 1970s novel, Shogun is the story of William Adams, better known as Anjin-san, who rose to become the top advisor to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in feudal Japan in the early 17th century.
Seizing the momentum of the highly anticipated new series adaptation, InsideJapan Tours has unveiled its latest Shogun campaign, which is designed to bring together a mix of historical sites and immersive experiences that echo the culture and history depicted in Clavell’s epic. Travelers are now invited to tread their own path along the Shogun trail. These 7 tours can be added to any of InsideJapan Tours’ fully tailored cultural adventures or small group tours.
Traverse Tohoku
Discover the northern Honshu mainland and the Tohoku region as you walk in the footsteps of William Adams and Tokugawa Shogun just before the Battle of Sekigahara, a pivotal moment in the climax of Shogun. The rural Tohoku region is jam-packed with fascinating feudal history and culture. The samurai past is especially present in the town of Kakunodate where much of the architecture remains unchanged since it was erected in the early 1600’s.
The 7-night Rural Tohoku Trail features a stay in a restored samurai Kura storehouse in Kakunodate.
Samurai culture of Kyushu
William Adams and his shipmates first landed near Kyushu’s southern coast, and later Adams spent time in Nagasaki and the serene isle of Hirado. Today Nagasaki stands out as one of Japan’s most picturesque cities, nestled between a scenic bay and verdant mountains. The city exudes a relaxed atmosphere and is dotted with echoes of its storied history, most notably the restored artificial island of Dejima, which stands as a prominent symbol of Japan’s period of seclusion, being the sole point of contact with Westerners for more than two centuries.
This 13-night Kyushu Adventure cultural adventure explores the southern island and its culture.
Conquer a samurai castle
When William Adams first landed off the coast of Kyushu, the Shogun commanded that he and his crew be arrested and they were then held captive in Osaka castle. Today, a restored castle stands in a city famous for its cuisine and dubbed ‘Kansai’s kitchen’. In nearby Kyoto you’ll find Nijo castle, a UNESCO world Heritage site erected by the Tokugawa Shogun in the early 1600’s. It’s filled with secret rooms and cleverly designed defenses for Shogun guards.
The Gastronomic Adventure gives travelers the chance to experience both Osaka and Kyoto and explore one of Japan’s twelve authentic Edo-period castles in Matsumoto, alongside the historic Nagamachi samurai district.
Channel Your Samurai with Kenbu
As portrayed in the tale of Shogun, samurai would master their concentration and call on their strength before a fight by engaging in a kenbu ritual, which is a dance with a katana sword and a fan. Experience a two-hour kenbu class in Kyoto, where skilled instructors guide you through fundamental sword techniques, fan dances, and the intricacies of samurai etiquette. The session ends with a captivating kenbu demonstration.
A Kenbu experience can be added to any trip to Kyoto.
Walk the way of samurai
Dating back to the 17th century, the Nakasendo runs 332 miles across central Japan, and was once a thoroughfare for Daimyo Lords and their Samurai between Kyoto and what is now Tokyo (formerly Edo). The route takes you along cobblestone paths shaded by trees, quaint villages and towns set in the mountains of central Honshu.
This 14 night Honshu Hiking Self-Guided Cultural Adventure features walks along some of the best preserved Nakasendo route over two days between the castle town of Matsumoto and Kyoto.
Visit a Sword Master
Few things epitomize the samurai more than a katana or Japanese sword. Outside Tokyo you can visit one of Japan’s last traditional swordsmiths to tour their workshop and see how they fold steel the way it was done for centuries. A not-to-be-missed experience for a Shogun fan.
InsideJapan can integrate a swordsmith experience into any cultural experience.
The spirit of the Shogun
Set in the mountains of Tochigi, just a few hours from Tokyo, lies the town of Nikko, home to one of Japan’s most magnificent shrines dedicated to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The exquisitely crafted Toshogu Shrine is a beautiful memorial to Japan’s first Shogun, featuring intricate wooden carvings adorned with gold leaf. This awe-inspiring shrine complex is located in the lush forests of Nikko National Park, at the base of Mount Nantai, and is surrounded by pristine crater lakes and waterfalls.
A stay two-night stay in Nikko and a visit to Toshogu is included in A Northern Soul small group tour.